Late Sir Francis laid to rest
By Alex Dadamu
The body of the country’s former Prime Minister, the late Sir Francis Billy Hilly was laid to rest at his village, Koriovuku in the Western province this afternoon.
Upon arrival yesterday, the body was received and escorted by village chiefs and elders from the wharf to the church.
The body was accompanied by the Member of Parliament for Rannogga/Simbo and Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Wyne Ghemu and Member of Parliament for Gizo/Kolombangara, Jimson Tanangada.
The body of the late Francis escorted from the wharf to the church
An official program was held at the Koriovuku community hall for people to pay their respect to the late statesman.
At 12 p.m. this afternoon, the body was escorted to the burial grounds by officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, where he was laid to rest peacefully.
Community members attending the church service for the late Sir Francis
Hon. Ghemu during the church service paid tribute to the late leader, acknowledging his remarkable service to the country and people.
“His legacies will live on. We have lost a pioneering political leader who served the government and the country for almost 24 years,” he said.
Sir Francis was a pioneer politician who was the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands from 18 June 1993 to 7 November 1994.
He represented the Ranongga/Simbo Constituency from 1976 to 1984 and represented the constituency again from 1993 onwards.
He passed on in Honiara on the 10th of March.
Patrol boat Taro will depart for Honiara today.
ENDS